have multiple uses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have multiple uses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an object, concept, or tool that serves various purposes or functions. Example: "This tool is versatile and can have multiple uses in different projects, from woodworking to metalworking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Many other foods have multiple uses as well, such as peanuts, olives, eggs, and avocados.

The New York Times

Water from the outlet will flow past 40percentt of North Dakota's population and will have multiple uses, including municipal water supplies.

The New York Times

But any new facility should have multiple uses, and no potential user -- whether the Olympics or a sports franchise -- should be handed a blank check.

The New York Times

Chickens peck in the courtyard — they have multiple uses, food and sacrifice — laundry hangs on the rack and a baby bawls from within.

The New York Times

Content labelling, without going into the whole thing, is a technical way of labelling stuff on the internet and can have multiple uses: web accessibility for people with physical impairment, for example, or child-safe content.

The Guardian

In the film as in the book, the Once-ler ravages the landscape and destroys the Truffula trees to manufacture thneeds, knitted garments that have multiple uses but no real utility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It makes no sense to have "multiple use" mandates that allow for degradation of these lands when the president makes such a decree.

Los Angeles Times

So palm-leaf manuscripts, like most art, had multiple uses.

The New York Times - Arts

He added, "The West Side would be a pretty good site because it has multiple uses".

The New York Times

In fact, in this way it has multiple uses as it tackles, in a subtle and memorable way, many issues in life, with the reader shadowing Bella as she stumbles and negotiates her way through everything, from exams to pregnancy.

The Guardian

Once the office of the financier and railroad executive John W. Campbell, the cavernous room hidden in a west ventricle of Grand Central Terminal had multiple uses after his passing, in 1957, but eventually fell into disrepair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or concept, use "have multiple uses" to highlight its versatility and broad applicability across different fields or tasks. This can enhance the perceived value and utility of the subject.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the number or significance of the uses. Ensure each use is genuinely distinct and relevant, not just minor variations of the same function. Otherwise, you risk diminishing the credibility of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have multiple uses" functions as a predicate, typically used to describe the attributes or capabilities of a subject. It indicates that the subject is not limited to a single purpose but can be utilized in various ways. This aligns with examples provided in Ludwig, which showcases its application across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have multiple uses" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something with diverse functionalities. As Ludwig AI suggests, it effectively communicates the versatility and broad applicability of a subject. It's particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts. While it's considered grammatically correct, writers should be mindful of overstating the number of uses and ensure the described uses are genuinely distinct and relevant. Alternatives like "serve various purposes" can provide a more formal tone when needed. By understanding its proper usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to convey the multifaceted nature of various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve various purposes

Emphasizes the variety of purposes fulfilled.

function in different ways

Highlights the diverse manners of functioning.

be employed for various applications

Focuses on the application or practical employment.

offer a range of functionalities

Stresses the spectrum of functionalities available.

be adaptable to diverse roles

Indicates the capacity for adaptation to different roles.

possess diverse applications

Highlights the diversity of applications it can be employed in.

cater to a variety of needs

Focuses on meeting different requirements or demands.

be utilized in several capacities

Emphasizes the different capacities in which it can be utilized.

exhibit versatility

Highlights the inherent characteristic of versatility.

fulfill various functions

Focuses on fulfilling different tasks or functions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have multiple uses" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "serve various purposes", "be employed for various applications", or "offer a range of functionalities".

Is it correct to say "has multiple uses" instead of "have multiple uses"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject. Use "has multiple uses" for singular subjects (e.g., "This tool has multiple uses"), and "have multiple uses" for plural subjects (e.g., "These tools have multiple uses").

What is the difference between "have multiple uses" and "be versatile"?

"Have multiple uses" describes a specific characteristic – the object can be used for different things. "Be versatile" is a more general description of the object's adaptability or wide-ranging applicability.

How to use "have multiple uses" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe something with various functions. For example, "This app have multiple uses, from scheduling appointments to managing finances.".